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South Korea’s KBank Files 13 Stablecoin Wallet Trademarks Ahead of IPO

South Korean Regulators Step Up Pressure Following Upbit Hack

What Did KBank File and Why Now?

South Korea’s KBank has filed 13 trademark applications linked to stablecoin wallets, a move that comes as the digital-focused lender prepares for another attempt to go public. According to filings with the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service, the applications include names such as KSC Wallet, KSTA Wallet, Kstable Wallet, and Kbank SC Wallet.

The trademarks were filed across categories covering digital currency and stablecoin software, cryptocurrency transactions, NFT-related services, and broader financial applications. Local media reports indicate the filings point to a wallet system designed to handle multiple functions, including payments, remittances, and settlement activity.

The timing is closely tied to KBank’s planned initial public offering. The neobank is viewking a listing on South Korea’s main KOSPI platform on March 5, 2026, according to local outlet News1. It follows two previous IPO attempts that were withdrawn in 2023 and 2024 amid fragileer .

Investor Takeaway

Trademark filings suggest KBank is laying groundwork for in-house stablecoin infrastructure ahead of its IPO, rather than relying solely on external partners.

How Do Stablecoins Fit Into KBank’s IPO Strategy?

In its IPO registration statement, KBank said it plans to use proceeds from the offering to accelerate its digital asset business alongside other growth initiatives. part of that plan, giving the bank a direct interface for on-chain payments and cross-border transfers.

KBank previously filed trademark applications for stablecoin tickers in July 2025, indicating that wallet development is part of a longer-term build rather than a last-minute addition to the IPO story. By securing branding ahead, the bank gains flexibility to launch multiple wallet variants or services depending on how regulation and demand develop.

For investors, the filings offer a clearer view of how KBank intends to convert its crypto exposure into proprietary products, rather than limiting its role to account services for platforms.

Cross-Border Payments and Regional Partnerships

Beyond trademarks, KBank has already taken steps toward stablecoin-based services through partnerships. The neobank recently signed an agreement with local blockchain firm BPMG, Thailand’s Kasikorn Bank, and Orbix Technology to develop a stablecoin-powered finance answer connecting South Korea and Thailand.

The planned system is aimed at practical use cases, including payments for tourists and Thai workers living in South Korea. That focus on retail and worker remittances aligns with the wallet functionality described in the trademark filings, which emphasize payments and settlement rather than trading alone.

If deployed, such services could give KBank exposure to transaction-driven revenue tied to real-world usage, rather than purely speculative crypto activity.

Investor Takeaway

may offer steadier usage patterns than platform-driven crypto flows.

Regulation and KBank’s Advantage in South Korea

KBank’s digital asset expansion comes as South Korean authorities move closer to finalizing a regulatory framework for stablecoins and crypto platform-traded funds. While legislation is expected in the first quarter of this year, banks and financial firms have already begun preparing products in anticipation of clearer rules.

KBank enters this phase with a structural advantage. It is the sole banking partner of Upbit, , a relationship that has driven sharp growth in its customer base. Since partnering with Upbit in 2020, KBank’s users have increased by more than 500% to roughly 15 million.

That scale gives the neobank a ready distribution channel for any future wallet or stablecoin service, especially if regulators allow banks to play a larger role in and custody.

What Comes Next

The trademark filings do not guarantee an immediate product launch, but they indicate intent at a moment when timing matters. With an IPO scheduled and regulatory clarity approaching, KBank appears to be aligning its digital asset plans with a broader market opening.

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